Closure with Structure Improving Drainage

Abstract

A closure including a base and a cap that pivot with respect to each other via a hinge. The closure includes a structure that lowers the amount of spilled liquids by reducing locations where the liquid can adhere to the closure and amounts of liquid that can adhere to the closure.

Claims

1. A closure comprising: an axis; a cap comprising: a top panel centered on the axis; a plug extending downward from the top panel, wherein the plug extends a first height downward from the top panel, wherein the first height is less than 0.125; and a first wall extending downward from the top panel, the first wall centered on the axis; a hinge extending from and coupled to a rear portion of the first wall; and a base pivotally coupled to the cap via the hinge, the base comprising: a second wall centered on the axis, the first wall and top panel pivoting with respect to the second wall via the hinge between an open position and a closed position; and a third wall interfacing with the top panel to seal contents within a container that the closure is coupled to.

2. The closure of claim 1, wherein the plug extends a uniform height from the top panel.

3. The closure of claim 1, wherein the first height is at least 0.02.

4. The closure of claim 3, wherein the first height is less than 0.1.

5. The closure of claim 1, wherein the first height is less than 0.1.

6. The closure of claim 5, wherein the first height is at least 0.05.

7. The closure of claim 6, wherein the plug extends a uniform height from the top panel.

8. The closure of claim 1, wherein the plug extends circumferentially around the axis.

9. The closure of claim 1, wherein the plug defines a circular shape extending circumferentially around the axis.

10. A closure comprising: an axis; a cap comprising: a top panel centered on the axis; a plug extending downward from the top panel, wherein the plug extends a first height downward from the top panel, wherein the first height is less than 0.125; and a first wall extending downward from the top panel, the first wall centered on the axis, wherein the first wall is distinct from the plug; a hinge; and a base pivotally coupled to the cap via the hinge, the base comprising: a second wall centered on the axis, the first wall and top panel pivoting with respect to the second wall via the hinge between an open position and a closed position; and a third wall interfacing with the top panel to seal contents within a container that the closure is coupled to.

11. The closure of claim 10, wherein the first height is at least 0.02.

12. The closure of claim 10, wherein the first height is at least 0.05.

13. The closure of claim 10, wherein the first height is less than 0.1.

14. The closure of claim 10, wherein the first height is less than 0.1.

15. The closure of claim 10, wherein the plug extends circumferentially around the axis.

16. The closure of claim 10, wherein the plug defines a circular shape extending circumferentially around the axis.

17. A closure comprising: an axis; a cap comprising: a top panel centered on the axis; a plug extending downward from the top panel, wherein the plug extends a first height downward from the top panel, wherein the first height is less than 0.125; and a first wall extending downward from the top panel, the first wall centered on the axis, wherein the plug is closer to the axis than the first wall; a hinge; and a base pivotally coupled to the cap via the hinge, the base comprising: a second wall centered on the axis, the first wall and top panel pivoting with respect to the second wall via the hinge between an open position and a closed position; and a third wall interfacing with the top panel to seal contents within a container that the closure is coupled to.

18. The closure of claim 17, wherein the first height is at least 0.02.

19. The closure of claim 17, wherein the first height is at least 0.05.

20. The closure of claim 17, wherein the plug defines a circular shape extending circumferentially around the axis.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closure, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the closure of FIG. 1 in an open configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the closure of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of a closure in an open configuration, according to another exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Referring generally to the figures, various aspects of a closure are shown. Closures are used to enclose storage compartments of containers, such as bottles for drinkable liquids. Many closures include a base that couples to a container neck and a cap that is pivotally coupled to the base. In use, liquid from the container can get stuck to various portions of the base and/or cap, and subsequently be spilled or lost. Applicant has developed one or more closures that include structures that reduce the amount of liquid that sticks to the closure, thereby reducing the amount of liquid that gets spilled or lost. As one example, the closures described herein include a plug that extends downward from the top panel a reduced height compared to other closures. Applicant has observed that providing a reduced height for the plug reduces and/or minimizes the amount of liquid that can stick to the intersection of the plug and the top panel.

[0015] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a closure 110 for closing a container 190 according to an embodiment is shown. Closure 110 includes axis 112, cap 120, hinge 114, and base 140. In various embodiments cap 120 and base 140 are pivotally coupled together via hinge 114, such as via hinge 114 extending from and coupled to a rear portion 128 of first wall 124. In various embodiments, cap 120 and base 140 are centered on axis 112.

[0016] Cap 120 includes top panel 122, which in various embodiments is centered on axis 112. Cap 120 includes wall 124 extending downward from top panel 122. In various embodiments, hinge 114 is coupled to a rear portion 128 of wall 124 and/or top panel 122 opposite the front portion 126 of cap 120.

[0017] Base 140 includes wall 142, which in various embodiments is centered on axis 112. In various embodiments, first wall 124 and top panel 122 pivot with respect to the second wall 142 via the hinge 114 between an open position and a closed position. Rear portion 144 of wall 142 is coupled to hinge 114, thereby coupling wall 142 to wall 124. Front portion 146 of wall 142 is optionally detachably coupled to front portion 126 of wall 124 via one or more frangible connections. Base 140 is engaged with container neck 192 of container 190 to enclose contents in container 190, such as a liquid within container 190.

[0018] In some situations, the liquid 198 can adhere to closure 110, such as to the intersection of top panel 122 and plug 130. Subsequently, the liquid may fall from closure 110 and thereby make a mess that needs to be cleaned and/or is lost from container 190. Another problem with the adherence of the liquid to cap 120 and/or base 140 is that droplets or portions of the liquid may dry in place instead of draining back into container 190. This dried liquid can create a residue which interferes with the proper closing of cap 120 onto base 140. In various uses, the liquid may be a coffee creamer, including ingredients such as water, lactose, and fat. Accordingly, Applicant has developed one or more closures, such as closure 110, that reduces the extent to which the liquid sticks to closure 110.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 3, base 140 includes wall 150 that interfaces with top panel 122 and/or plug 130 to enclose a liquid within container 190. Plug 130 extends height 132 below top surface 134. Applicant has observed that providing a reduced height 132 for plug 130 reduces and/or minimizes the amount of liquid that can stick to the intersection of plug 130 and top panel 122.

[0020] In various embodiments, plug 130 extends a uniform height 132 from top panel 122. In various embodiments, height 132 is less than 0.125, and more specifically less than 0.12, and more specifically less than 0.11, and even more specifically less than 0.1. In various embodiments, height 132 is at least 0.02, and more specifically at least 0.05.

[0021] In various embodiments, plug 130 extends entirely around the axis 112, such as circumferentially around the axis 112, such as in a circular shape centered on the axis 112. In various embodiments, plug 130 defines a circular shape extending circumferentially around the axis.

[0022] In various embodiments, first wall 124 is distinct from plug 130. In various embodiments, plug 130 is closer to axis 114 than first wall 124.

[0023] To still provide a seal for the liquid, wall 150 extends closer to top panel 122 compared to other closures. In various embodiments, wall 150 interfaces with plug 130 and/or lower surface 134 of top panel 122 to seal liquids within the container 190. Wall 150 also permits liquid to be poured from either front 152 or sides 154 of wall 150.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 4, various aspects of closure 210 are provided. Closure 210 is functionally and/or structurally the same as closure 110 except as otherwise described. In particular, plug 230 extends vertically downward from top panel 222 and/or wall 250 extends vertically upwards toward top panel 222.

[0025] Closure 210 includes cap 220 pivotally coupled to base 240. Cap 220 includes top panel 222 and plug 230 extending height 232 from lower surface 234 of top panel 222. Base includes outer wall 242, and plug wall 250.

[0026] It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for description purposes only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0027] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article a is intended to include one or more component or element and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one. As used herein, rigidly coupled refers to two components being coupled in a manner such that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when acted upon by a force.

[0029] Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to any combination of any of the features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be utilized alone or in combination with any of the features, elements or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

[0030] For purposes of this disclosure, the term coupled means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0031] While the current application recites particular combinations of features in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein whether or not such combination is currently claimed, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

[0032] In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description.